A patient presents with a yellowish tint only to the palms of his hands, the soles of his feet and his face. He is most likely suffering from?

A patient presents with a yellowish tint only to the palms of his hands, the soles of his feet and his face. He is most likely suffering from?

• A. Carotanemia.
• B. Liver failure.
• C. Cirrhosis.
• D. None of the above.

Answer: (A)

Yellow-orange skin limited to the palms, soles, and face points to carotene accumulation rather than bilirubin. Carotenemia results from high intake of carotene-rich foods or supplements and causes a yellow-orange tint of the outer skin (especially in thick areas like hands and feet) while the whites of the eyes stay normal. In contrast, jaundice from liver disease involves bilirubin and typically presents with scleral icterus (yellowing of the eyes) and more generalized yellowing, often with other liver-related signs. So this pattern best fits carotene buildup.

Yellow-orange skin limited to the palms, soles, and face points to carotene accumulation rather than bilirubin. Carotenemia results from high intake of carotene-rich foods or supplements and causes a yellow-orange tint of the outer skin (especially in thick areas like hands and feet) while the whites of the eyes stay normal. In contrast, jaundice from liver disease involves bilirubin and typically presents with scleral icterus (yellowing of the eyes) and more generalized yellowing, often with other liver-related signs. So this pattern best fits carotene buildup.